Airing on the Side of Agriculture

Sydney Septer, NAFB student member and a sophomore at Iowa State University, stepped onto a Costa Rican farm, and it was more than just an academic exercise. It was a chance to see agriculture through a new lens and to discover her capacity for adventure.

For Jim Taylor, a network anchor for the RFD Radio Network, telling the story of Illinois agriculture isn’t just a job—it’s a calling that has earned him some of the industry’s highest honors.

After 17 years with the network, Randy Koenen retired from the Red River Farm Network on July 1, 2025.

"The best part about the network is the people, the people we're serving, our farmer listeners and the businesses," Randy says. "It's a fun family all the way around."

KRVN Farm Director Steve White has been named the 2025 recipient of the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation’s Lifetime Friend of the Fair Award, a prestigious honor recognizing his decades-long dedication to agriculture and the Nebraska State Fair.

Lynn Ketelsen was recently named to the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame at the state convention in St. Paul, MN.

Jace Green
Senior in Agriculture
Western Illinois University

When did you join NAFB? 
2023

Dustin Hoffmann
Supervising Editor
Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network

When did you join NAFB? 
2014

Jennifer Holliday, a recent graduate from Iowa State University, was selected as one of seven recipients of the prestigious Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award. Recognized for her outstanding leadership, academic achievements, and commitment to the campus community, Holliday embodies the core values celebrated by this award.

Dennis Michelsen, Farm Director at WITY Radio in Danville, Illinois, has carved out a distinctive niche in agricultural media by combining his background in meteorology with a passion for auto racing and professional Ultimate Frisbee play-by-play.